Friday Focus: Art as Expression: Get Creative and Colour!

Using art as self expression is an effective way to boost self esteem by expressing our feelings and inner confidence as connecting inward is an essential way to work on our self worth, happiness and confidence. This weeks exercise focuses on relaxation and is especially cathartic for me since I have survived the seven and a half weeks school summer holidays (the Autumn school term is on the horizon!) - if not with slightly less energy (and less money!) than when I started! 

The purpose of 'Friday Focus' for the next few weeks is to demonstrate ways of how we can boost our self-esteem, build our inner confidence and learn to set aside time to relax by using art as a way of self expression.

It is hugely important to allocate time for ourselves and to take time out from the distractions of everyday life and of all the challenges that it can throw in your direction. We need time to re-balance, breathe and relax with an occasional few hours of quiet time put aside just for us - whether you are an early bird - taking time to practice some yoga and prepare breakfast before everyone wakes up; or a night owl - making the most of your quiet evening time to have a relaxing bath and read a few chapters of a good book - we all have different ways in which we like to relax. 

But how about practising an exercise which uses colour? 'Colouring in' is a well documented relaxation technique (chromatherapy) advocated by Carl Jung in the early 20th century, as it activates different areas of the brain's cerebral hemispheres - which combine logic and creativity - and uses the cerebral cortex involved in vision and fine motor skills. In simple terms, it lowers the activity of the emotional part of the brain, so is great for stress relief. 

You may have already seen some of the new 'grown-up' colouring books  in your local book shop or supermarket - I have seen at least 10 different examples in a local high street store today. These books are aimed at adults (not children!) and are full of gorgeous  fine-art ink illustrations featuring everything from elaborate enchanted gardens to abstract patterns and ornate Art Deco designs. If you worry that this may not be for you because you may not be great at art; someone else has drawn all of the outlines so that you can concentrate on releasing your creativity and imagination! Enjoy!

Friday Focus: If you don't want to invest your cash into a colouring book because you are worried that you won't get your use out of it, print off a sheet on the internet to get you started; there are loads to choose from!